Montrose County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded on Tuesday evening after a passerby reported an abandoned vehicle parked near mile marker 10 on the South Rim of Black Canyon in Gunnison National Park. The vehicle, left unattended near a steep drop‑off, prompted a rapid search effort that included the department’s drone team.
Search and discovery
Deputies arrived at the scene around 5:30 p.m. and found personal belongings near Devil’s Lookout, one of the park’s most precipitous viewpoints. Because daylight was fading, the drone unit was deployed to sweep the canyon floor for any sign of a missing person. Nightfall halted the aerial search, and the team returned the next morning.
At approximately 6:30 a.m., the drone captured clear imagery of human remains on the canyon floor. The remains were later identified as John N. Countryman, a 57‑year‑old resident of Denver, through a post the sheriff’s office shared on Facebook. Countryman’s body was recovered two days later and transferred to the Montrose County Coroner’s Office for examination.
Challenges of the terrain
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is renowned for its narrow, steep‑walled gorges that plunge roughly 2,000 feet to the river below. The rugged landscape and limited access routes make search‑and‑rescue missions especially difficult, a fact underscored by the need for drone assistance in this case.
Officials emphasized that the canyon’s dramatic drop‑offs and rugged terrain can quickly turn a routine hike into a hazardous situation. They urged hikers to remain vigilant, stay on marked trails, and be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions.
Investigation ongoing
The cause and manner of Mr. Countryman’s death remain under investigation by the Montrose County Coroner’s Office. No foul play has been suggested at this time, and authorities have asked anyone with additional information to contact the sheriff’s office.
Montrose County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson reiterated the department’s commitment to public safety in the region, noting that the swift response and use of modern technology helped locate the missing hiker quickly despite the challenging environment.
Safety reminders for visitors
Gunnison National Park officials continue to remind visitors that the park’s steep cliffs and narrow canyons demand respect and preparation. Hikers are encouraged to carry adequate water, wear appropriate footwear, and inform friends or family of their planned routes.
For more information on park safety guidelines, visitors can consult the official Gunnison National Park website or contact the Montrose County Sheriff’s Office.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
